The Fiji Corrections Service has announced a proposed new policy designed to promote high standards of personal conduct and integrity among its officers and staff.
The Personal Conduct and Marital Integrity Policy underscores the importance of maintaining professional and ethical standards within the service, highlighting the responsibility of all personnel to exhibit behavior that reflects favorably on the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS).
This new policy will establish clear guidelines governing conduct in marital and committed relationships, particularly focusing on issues such as extramarital affairs that could tarnish the reputation of the service.
Additionally, the policy sets expectations for professional behavior both inside and outside the workplace, as FCS officers are held to a high standard of public trust.
Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, the Commissioner of Corrections, stated that this policy demonstrates the FCS’s ongoing dedication to professionalism, integrity, and public confidence.
He emphasized that maintaining integrity in personal relationships is not solely a private issue for FCS staff, as it has direct implications for the public’s perception of the service.
“Maintaining integrity in personal relationships is not just a private matter for FCS staff. It directly impacts how the service is perceived by the public. This policy sends a clear message that we expect our officers to be role models of ethical behavior and to uphold high standards in both their personal lives and professional responsibilities,” Dr. Nakarawa remarked.
The proposed policy will apply to all employees within the Fiji Corrections Service and includes provisions for support mechanisms, such as counseling services, for those facing personal difficulties. Once implemented, violations of the policy may lead to disciplinary measures ranging from counseling and reprimands to suspension or termination, depending on the severity of the infraction.
The policy is currently undergoing review and will be open for consultations prior to its official rollout.